Cannabis News

Grow Up Vancouver sets the tone for 2026 cannabis

Published

4 months ago

January 27, 2026

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The start of this cannabis year was marked by the latest edition of the Grow Up conference in Vancouver, which seems to be setting the tone for what to expect from the industry in 2026. Exhibitors and attendees reported that the industry is becoming more measured, operationally focused, and increasingly aware that long-term viability depends on execution rather than wishful thinking. “Grow Up was a very positive experience, with direct and practical conversations with growers and partners. The event created a space for meaningful discussions, focused on current market realities and field-level challenges,” said the BioFloral team.

For Cannatrol, the show highlighted how it has become a post-harvest strategy. “In Grow Up 2026, Cannatrol brings technology that works where few solutions exist, setting new standards for the industry,” said David Sandelman, chief technology officer and company founder. Appearing at the event, along with new Canadian distribution partner Quality Horticulture, Cannatrol used the conference to highlight a once-left-behind process as an increasingly crucial part of every cannabis operation. “We’re here to show conference attendees why your post-harvest system matters even more than the growing process.”

Since cannabis was regulated, many growers have focused more on maximizing fat space, relegating drying, curing and all that to a small part of their operation. So it seems that the industry is indicating that the sector is maturing, and the year 2026 is crucial to show this. “Cannatrol sees 2026 as a new phase of maturity for the cannabis industry driven by potential rescheduling and more disciplined business practices focused on operational efficiency.” In such an environment, he added, “quality and consistency are no longer differentiators, but critical drivers for producing top-notch craftsmanship and achieving successful business growth.”

The very tone of the event was in favor of this assessment. David described Grow Up as “a very positive experience, with direct and practical conversations with growers and partners”, noting that “the event created a space for meaningful discussions based on market realities and field-level challenges”. He also saw a clear change in behavior among producers. The same sentiment is echoed by the BioFloral team, who noticed that attendees were more interested in practical solutions than the latest shiny toy. “We’ve noticed an increasing focus on efficiency, consistency and long-term profitability. Growers seem less driven by novelty and more interested in stable, proven solutions.”

Exhibitors for the first time, such as the Fraser Valley Organic Producers Association, are joining the world of cannabis with a new benchmark in organic cannabis cultivation. “We really enjoyed being part of the Grow Up show this year. We received a great response from the attendees, with many expressing an interest in learning more about the organic certification of cannabis. As this was our first time attending the conference, we were very pleased with the diversity of industry players in attendance. It was particularly interesting to learn more about the research that some growers are doing into the medical use of cannabis.

Similar pragmatism emerged from brand-focused exhibitors. The Pure Sunfarms and Super Toast teams reported that Grow Up Vancouver provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen retail relationships and strengthen their presence in British Columbia. “Grow Up Vancouver was a strong opportunity to share more about our evolving portfolio, strengthen connections with retail partners and their teams, and highlight our deep connection to British Columbia as our home market,” the company said, adding that “the quality of the conversations was high and it was gratifying to see such thoughtful engagement across the industry.”

From the point of view of the market, retailers appear to be more and more selective. “One of the most noticeable changes is the continued push behind convenience-driven categories,” the team noted. “There is a strong demand for products that are easy to understand, easy to use and fit seamlessly into consumer routines, especially formats that prioritize consistency, quality and accessibility.”

For other attendees, Grow Up Vancouver also reinforced a sense of confidence in an industry that continues to grow despite many obstacles. “Grow Up Vancouver was the perfect start to 2026,” says Atiyyah Ferouz, founder of AgCann Consultancy. “There was a renewed energy and positivity that was palpable throughout the event.” This optimism was linked to a growing strategic awareness, especially regarding market diversification. “A big trend, which has been increasing year by year, is the focus on the export market,” continued Atiyyah. “We’ve spoken to a number of producers who have included export readiness as a key part of their 2026 strategy. In many of the conversations we had, producers were still keen to supply the Canadian market, but wanted to make sure their sales weren’t completely dependent on a single market.”

This vision is shaped by an industry that, despite pressure, is not standing still.” The Canadian cannabis industry is in a strong position today,” stated the GrowerIQ team. “Producers continue to benefit from expanded international legalization, global underproduction and the gradual reduction of the gray market. The continued maturation of Canadian and international supply chains has opened up access to markets that were previously difficult for medium and smaller producers to tap into.”

At the same time, challenges remain. “Regulatory complexity, taxation and access to capital continue to impact the industry,” they continued. “Competition from low-cost jurisdictions and domestic producers unloading excess product at discounted prices is keeping prices under pressure. Individual producers continue to face business-specific challenges, while the rapid pace of change in the sector increases these pressures. Those who cannot adapt quickly risk being left behind in this fast-moving market.”

Despite the headwinds, there is cautious confidence. “2026 has the potential to be another challenging but successful year for the Canadian cannabis industry,” they concluded. The seed itself seems to be evolving along with the sector. “Grow Up continues to raise the bar every year,” said the GrowerIQ team. “Grow Up has truly established itself as Canada’s premier cannabis event.”

Overall, the Grow Up conference in Vancouver showed an industry that is recalibrating itself around consistency, efficiency and strategic resilience. Long (?) gone are the days of big announcements and earth-shattering innovations. The sector is preparing for its next tougher phase.

For more information:
grow up
growupconference.com

Related Topics:Cannabis Grow sets tone Vancouver

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Cannabis News

We don’t really deal with a lot of mites because of our IPM program

Published

23 hours ago

June 9, 2026

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Flora Farms Pest Management Program it is built to reduce to nothing depending on the harvestso the plant ends up clean. Luke Allenbrand, Flora Farms’ crop leader, leads an integrated pest management program that focuses on prevention. “We don’t honestly deal with a lot of mites because of the IPM program, because of the predatory mites that we’ve put down as a precaution,” says Luke. “It allows us to have a much cleaner garden in the back half.” Preventative work keeps spray volumes relatively low because the curative side of the program rarely needs to be heavy.

“Actually, we are at the lowest number of these sprays that we have. The milliliters that we are using are numbers that do not exist to be a prevention,” says Luke. “But as soon as you see an uptick of those mites or anything, we bring it up to a therapeutic amount, which is still a small milliliter. And as long as you’re on a fast track with it, you see them disappear within 10 days.” The targets are spider mites, which feed on the plant’s THC and terpene production and degrade the flower.

Tested solutions
The three products used by the company are derived from agricultural and food use. “We actually apply about three insecticides that are very common around the agricultural and food grade of these products, using a suite of IPM, Venerate and Grandevo, insecticides that will deal with these mites,” says Luke. The application is intermittent rather than constant. “We usually use a 5-day spray cycle so we can have rest periods in between, so it’s not just a consistent density of that spray,” says Luke. He sees progress against mites in the gaps between the successions.

However, at some point, the spraying stops. “We finish the spray cycle by day 40. We usually don’t want to spray anywhere after day 40. At that point, you’re going to damage the product,” says Luke. “And at that point, we’ll put predatory mites in. It really helps us get to that final push point by day 59, 60 of that harvest. So we actually have a lot less of our spray in that late period. So it’s a much better tasting product.” Predatory mites take over the job of spraying, leaving nothing on the flower.

Biological control
Biological control has two forms. “We usually use them, they’re called crazy mites, and honestly, it’s crazy to see,” says Luke. “Actually, I’ve seen some of the ones in a close-up photo kill a bug, some of the cocoons actually drive away, and even attack the spider mites themselves. Very beneficial. Callias are also slow. They’re little bags that we hang on plants and they’re very beneficial to us.” Different predators work at different speeds, which is why the program runs more than one.

Missouri’s testing regime is the context in which growers operate. Each plant is tested for pest control chemicals and must pass before the product goes ahead. “Other crops and other black market shops or smoke shops in Missouri don’t have to worry about the testing we have to do,” Luke says. “Everything we use here is natural. Each of our pest management is a lot of essential oils that fight these mites. Everything we would put on a plant is food grade.” The test covers foreign chemicals, heavy metals, and anything else that an unregulated supply should never consider.

The whole arc is from biology to chemistry and back to biology. “We go from predatory mites to a food-grade spray regimen, and then back to predatory mites at the end. That way, these plants will have time to finish with no chemicals, nothing,” says Luke. “The rest of that life cycle, about 15 to 20 days, is the most natural it will have. No spraying at all during that, just to push predatory mites off that end, so there’s no residual mite damage on those plants.”

For more information:
Flower Farms
florafarmsmo.com

Cannabis News

California Bill To Legalize Marijuana Dispensary Drive-Thru Windows Advances In Senate After Clearing Full Assembly

Published

23 hours ago

June 9, 2026

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It has been passed by a California Senate committee and passed by the Assembly bill that would allow marijuana dealers to offer car windows to serve customers.

The measure, which cleared the Senate Business, Careers and Economic Development Committee on a 7-3 vote Monday, says licensed cannabis retailers and micro-businesses with storefronts can sell marijuana products “in a motor vehicle to a customer in a drive-through located on the premises.”

Under Assemblywoman Gail Peller’s (D) AB 2697, cannabis businesses would need permission from the local jurisdictions in which they operate to add a drive-thru.

The sponsor told committee members before the final vote that the bill will “expand access to legal cannabis products while strengthening our ability to compete with the illegal market.”

Annie Aubrey of Chuck’s Wellness Center, a retailer in Placerville, testified that the legislation is “about improving access.”

“A large portion of our customers use cannabis as medicine, including seniors, veterans and people living with chronic conditions that affect mobility, the population that this regulated system seeks to serve,” he said. “For many, even simple tasks like getting out of a vehicle or navigating a retail space can be physically difficult or prohibitive…A drive-thru option removes that barrier, giving patients and consumers access to what they need in a way that’s dignified and consistent with their healthcare needs.”

Amy O’Gorman Jenkins of the California Cannabis Operators Association said the legislation will provide “operational flexibility” in a highly regulated system.

“It doesn’t expand who can access cannabis,” he said. “It allows retailers, with local approval, to serve existing patients and customers more efficiently.”

Jenkins also argued that this measure could improve security.

“Currently, road traction transactions are already allowed. This means that workers regularly have to leave a safe premises while transporting the product, and sometimes they have to deposit cash in parking lots,” he said. “AB 2697 provides an additional mechanism for obtaining product, but requires a fixed and secure transaction point, keeping employees inside and reducing exposure to theft.”

Pellerin, the bill’s sponsor, previously said that “California cannabis retailers lack a common and accessible transaction channel for consumers that so many other retailers in California offer, including fast food, pharmacies, banks and even liquor stores.”

“Cannabis consumers with mobility issues or other disabilities have limited options for obtaining cannabis without having to get out of their vehicles. And while home delivery is legal, there are restrictions on service areas,” he said. “Allowing cannabis sellers to add a secure ride option, if allowed by their local jurisdiction, will improve the consumer experience, increase the security of cannabis sellers and help expand California’s legal cannabis market.”

The California Association of Narcotics Officers opposes the proposal, however, as a representative, Ryan Sherman, testified that it would make it more difficult for dispensary workers to check the IDs of customers who are of legal age or to spot signs of current intoxication at drive-thru windows.

“This bill prioritizes speed of sale over public safety while undermining existing protections designed to prevent illegal sales and protect public safety,” he argued.

Under current policy during the COVID pandemic, dispensaries can already offer street pickup.

The invoice that moving forward in the legislature would mandate that auto sales “be made through a fixed panel security window with a security drawer or similar secure transfer mechanism that is part of a building located within the premises.”

—
It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
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California regulators recently approved emergency rule changes to the state’s marijuana licensing process. to make it easier for companies to receive benefits In line with the Trump administration’s latest move to federally regulate medical cannabis.

While Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) recently He took credit for helping lead the state’s push to legalize marijuana and discussed his limited experience with cannabis use.

In October, however, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have It allowed micro-marijuana companies to ship medicinal cannabis directly to patients Through common carriers like FedEx and UPS, he said the proposal would be “too burdensome and complex to manage.”

Newsom signed a bill earlier this month streamlining research into marijuana and psychedelics.

In September, the governor also signed a measure pause on the recent tax increase on marijuana products.

Separately, the state attorney general says Indian tribes cannot independently participate in the marijuana trade with licensed cannabis businesses without obtaining their own commercial license from state officials.

California officials have recently been rewarded nearly $30 million in grants for marijuana-focused academic research projects.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Cannabis News

Concert Series Specials launched for state medical cannabis patients

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

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Post Dispensary, Kentucky’s first medical cannabis dispensary, is connecting with patients in Owensboro, Henderson, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Madisonville, Hopkinsville and surrounding areas by aligning unique specials with the region’s summer concert calendar. Located at 300 N Main St. in Beaver Dam, minutes from major highways connecting these vibrant cities.

This summer, The Post Dispensary is offering special pricing and incentives for Concert Series Events at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater, SPARKS in the Park 4th of July celebration and surrounding events, such as Owensboro’s ROMP Festival (June 24-27, 2026). Patients can stop by before or after shows for big savings.

“We’re more than just a booty,” said a dispensary representative. “From Owensboro’s world-class ROMP Festival to Beaver Dam’s Amphitheater events, we’re making it convenient and budget-friendly for patients in Owensboro, Henderson, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Hartford and beyond to combine our love of music with compassionate care and an affordable product.”

The Post Dispensary hosts regular Patient Guidance events on the second Saturday of every month. These units have professionals on hand to assess patients and issue written certificates at low cost, application support and expert consultations in a welcoming environment. The next Patient Drive aligns perfectly with summer travel patterns, making it easy for patients from Owensboro, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Madisonville, Henderson, Madisonville and surrounding towns to plan a trip to Beaver Dam that combines care with community and entertainment.

For more information:
Post-Dispensary
thepostdispensary.com/